Capitol Watch: Texas State Library and Archives Commission
By State Representative Larry Phillips
Nov 1, 2009
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The Texas State Library and Archives Commission celebrates a century of service this year.  On March 19, 1909, Governor Thomas M. Campbell signed the bill that created the Texas Library and Historical Commission. The bill directed the new agency to aid and encourage public libraries and collect materials related to Texas history.

Renamed in 1979 as the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), the agency continues its mission to preserve historically significant resources, provide the public with information services, and support research, education and reading for future generations.  The Library building houses archival government records dating back to the 18th century, as well as newspapers, journals, books, manuscripts, photographs, historical maps, and other historical resources.  Among the most notable documents in the collection is the original copy of the famous "Travis Letter,"  William Barrett Travis' powerful and moving plea for assistance written while under siege at the Alamo.  The collection also includes an original map of the territory of the Republic of Texas as it was in 1836.

TSLAC maintains a website with many great resources for students and history buffs.  If you are looking for information about Texas for a school assignment, or just for fun, here are a few web sites you may want to visit:

Texas Treasures - An online exhibit of historical documents and artifacts.    http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/treasures/index.html 

About Texas - Learn facts and information about the Lone Star State, and find links to the various entities of state government.   http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ref/abouttx/index.html 

Archives & Manuscripts - Learn more about the extensive holdings of the Texas State Archives. http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/index.html 

The Talking Book Program - Provides free library services to Texans who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities - whether permanent or temporary.               http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/tbp/index.html 

Genealogy Resources - An excellent overview of what resources are available and other links to help get you started tracing your family history.   http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/arc/genfirst.html

For more information on the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, please visit their main website  http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/. 

You can contact my office by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by emailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.   

My district office phone number is (903) 891-7297.